newsletter online edition

STAYING ON TRACK PAGE | 7
Photographing Your Walk:
Be Mindful
Now we're able to spend more time outside, make the most of it by being
more mindful of your surroundings. Photography can help with three of
the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing' - Be Active, Learn and Take Notice. The
following tips can make even the most visited location seem new and
interesting all over again, as well as helping you take more notice of the
world around you.
Find the right shade -
working with colours
Try this: On sunny days, colours can be bold and bright. On
your next walk, can you find colours that complement each
other? For example:
Yellow complements purple
Green complements red
Warm colours (e.g. yellow)
complement cool colours (e.g. blue)
Use the colour wheel (left) to help you.
Complementary Colours in Action
'This photo (right) was taken on my
walk along the Rochdale Canal. You
have the cool blue sky
complementing the warm yellow of
the shutters and the leaves on the
trees' - Paul
For your next walk:
Paul's top tips
Start observing without your phone or camera in your hand
Use conscious noting like: 'Hey, that looks interesting!'
Use more than just your eyes - what can you smell, touch, hear?
Look for interesting patterns and textures
Found something you want to photograph? Take out your
camera/phone and take your time composing the image. Try
different angles, get closer, get higher or lower
Finally, make your photo. Limit yourself to 3-5 photos on your walk.
This encourages you take your time and really think about what
you're photographing.